Minto writer to introduce second book at Eden Mills Writers Festival

HARRISTON – Don Cerson sits at a desk between his kitchen and family room in Harriston, typing out tales to help keep his mind sharp and hands steady. 

In the world he’s creating, it’s the 1930s, and 16-year-old Robert McKenzie Douglas has inherited his family’s lumber mill.  

Through hard work, a generous heart and strong relationships, the youth turns the family venture into a $100-million enterprise. 

The Opulent is the first book in a series, Cerson told the Advertiser, and it follows McKenzie Douglas from birth to 28-years-old. 

When asked how many books will be in the series, the 83-year-old chuckled and said, “I guess that depends how long I live.” 

Cerson said he expects both young adults and mature readers will enjoy the book, which is narrated by McKenzie Douglas and includes lots of dialogue and character development, as well as some humour.

The dialogue helps keep the personalities at the forefront, Cerson said. 

“It’s probably going to be exciting for some people that have had hard times in the last five to 10 years – they’ll probably relate to this,” he said. 

“It will kind of give you an understanding – some people are wealthy and have a lot of money but they do take care of people that aren’t so wealthy.”

He said another takeaway from the book is that young people “can take over the family business and turn it into a conglomerate.”  

The book is appropriate for all readers, with no course language or inappropriate situations, Cerson said. 

“It’s a G, not a PG,” he added with a laugh. 

The books are written in a similar style to the Murdoch Mysteries – “Always meeting new people,” he said.

He did a lot of research to write the book, which has many historical references, including some real people, though the main characters are all fictional. 

Cerson said he started writing after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s to help control the tremors in his right hand and to “encourage the brain to keep thinking, rather than let it slip into dementia.” 

He also hopes his books will help encourage other authors.

Cerson will have copies of The Opulent, as well as his first book, the Norwich Street Bridge Kids, at the Eden Mills Writers Festival on Sept. 20. 

“Anyone who comes by and wants to stop I will introduce the book to them,” he said. 

He will be selling his books at reduced prices during the festival – $20 each or $35 for both.